MTRJ Connector

An optical fiber connector terminates the end of an optical fiber, and enables quicker connection and disconnection than splicing. The connectors mechanically couple and align the cores of fibers allowing light to pass. Performance was a key issue in the development of fiber optic connectors before problems were encountered with connector size. Small Form Factor (SFF) connectors were developed to alleviate the issue of space and as a bonus, the performance levels were improved. The MT-RJ connector when developed was one of two SFF connectors able to address the need for high density and low insertion loss.

MT-RJ is the abbreviation for Mechanical Transfer Registered Jack which is a fiber optics connector popular for small form factor devices due to its small size. Containing two fibers and mating together with locating pins on the plug, the MT-RJ is a variation of the MT connector, which in its original design could house up to 12 fibers The MT-RJ uses a form factor and latch like the RJ-45 connector used in Ethernet networks. This combination of a small form factor connector with the familiar RJ-45 latching mechanism ensures the MT-RJ connector as the perfect choice for horizontal cabling needs to the desk-top. The MTRJ connector was designed by AMP, but was later standardized as FOCIS 12 (Fiber Optic Connector Intermate-ability Standards) in EIA/TIA-604-12.

The MT-RJ is one of the newly emerging small form factor connectors that are commonly used for networking applications. The MT-RJ connector was developed to meet market demands at a smaller, lower cost, easier application, and easier-to-use fiber optic connectivity. The MT-RJ reduces the space required on panels, wall plates and in closets by 50% throughout the network. This small form factor connector is optimal for fiber-to-the-desk applications. Its size is slightly smaller than a standard phone jack and just as easy to connect and disconnect.

How MT-RJ Connectors Connect

The version of the MT-RJ connector used to terminate cable is male, with two steel alignment pins that fit into the female receptacle. The connector is secured in place with a RJ-45 type clip. Fiber is cleaved and placed in the ferrule (circular ring of metal or plastic) where it is mechanically held in place. Successful functionality of the MT-RJ requires the precise alignment of the two alignment pins (and holes) and their fibers.

During the cleaving stage practice and a good cleaving tool is needed to achieve a clean flat cleave of less than 1 degree perpendicular. If the cleave has a greater angle, an air space may be created causing crippling attenuation and reflection loss. The flat face of the MT-RJ accentuates this air space reflection loss. The fiber must be installed so that it is completely flushed with the front of the connector.

MT-RJ Products

Products in the MT-RJ connector solution family will include: field mountable connectors, duplex patchcords, hybrid patchcords, pigtails, duplex adapters for MT-RJ cut-outs, as well as SC cut-outs, SixPax’s panels, hand polishing tooling, and consumable kits, Siemon’s MT-RJ adapter plates, duplex jumpers and termination kit.